Two Faces Of Freedom: Why Liberalism Needs A Reboot In The Age Of AI
To be economically liberal is to favor low taxes and minimal government; to be politically liberal is to favor social programs and collective protections.
There are few words in the English language that have wandered further from their roots than liberal. Originally, the word was derived from the Latin liber or free and once meant devotion to liberty itself.
While today it splits in many directions, its interpretation in the context of political considerations draws sharp distinction to its economic meaning. Both claim to defend freedom—one as freedom from, the other as freedom to.
The result is a civilization divided by a shared word.
Freedom To
The debate over freedom has long divided those who prize independence from those who prize empowerment. The first sees liberty as protection from interference—freedom from kings, tariffs, or bureaucrats. The second sees liberty as the ability to act—freedom made real through education, work, and dignity.
Author's summary: Liberalism needs a reboot in the age of AI.